@Dennis ********

the mistake you are making is looking at long stay.

What you want is a 90 day non-o visa based on being over 50.

As the initial visa is only 90 days it is not considered "long stay".

You will not require health insurance or criminal check etc.

Once you enter Thailand then you will be able to extend for 1 year increments.

You will need to deposit 800k into Thai bank account in your name only.

Your income doesn't qualify without embassy endorsement( For the first year anyway.)

@Chris *******

not talking about your tourist stay.

Only talking about your 90 day non-b visa.

The 90 day non-b visa doesn't require you to have a work permit (or actually be working).

It is intended that you would have all sorted in place and working in time for the extension, which you are not doing.

You will have no issue leaving.

If you are on the original 90 day visa you are permitted to stay till its expiry.

No problem.

@Stuart ********

yup that sure sounds like it.

@Nongnuch *******

he asked about using an agent, that is doing in country.

I advised as per the question.

@Martin ********

sorry 2000baht for the 90 day

1900baht for the extension

It is a straightforward process.

If you have the money and somewhere to live.

Go to the local immigration, get the list.

Follow it and it's done.

2000b 90 day

1900b 1 yr extension

Retirement is one of the simplest visas to obtain providing you qualify.

Obtain the evisa 90 day non-o based on being over 50/retirement.

When you arrive you will need a home anyway, even for a few months.

** this is where using an agent may be easier for JUST the bank account.

Get the money transferred and seasoned for 60 days, the rest is easy.

Go to local immigration obtain the requirements list, follow it and it's done.

The 2 critical factors:

Bank account with funds

Accommodation

Supply and Demand

@David ******

YES

2 months before and until you get your 1 year stamped in.

Safely for 3 months a year.

Don't cut it close.

I have personally dealt with somebody who went under the amount by 6 baht for one day and were denied.

This is not an anecdote but an actual fact I witnessed.